Frederick County was named this month among the ' Top 40 Most Vibrant Arts Communities in America', rounding out the Top 10 List and was also named the ' Top 3 Digital Counties in the Nation ' for its use of innovative technology. What do these two have in common? There's an spirit of innovation and creativity all around us!

This month's newsletter is full of examples of creative ways to grow business, from the addition of a new Enterprise Zone along the Golden Mile and stories about a book entrepreneur who didn't take no for answer, to how an evolving town like New Market is using creative ways to grow business, showcasing the creativity that keeps Frederick County at the forefront of top places to do businesses.

We're continuing to introduce new ways to engage more people in our agricultural roots. Homegrown Frederick magazine is hot off the press, Family Festival @ the Farm is now Homegrown Hay Days and we've recently launched a new Ag Education Grant for non-profits to encourage new projects and ideas.

Creative thinking in a community is more important than ever. We need creative thinkers to solve complex challenges every day. Frederick County is a place where that creativity is cultivated, where innovative solutions are discovered and where big ideas grow into the next big success story.

Helen Propheter, Director

Frederick County Office of Economic Development